You, Me, and the World Between Us (Dragon Quest)

III - Reunion

Maxim and Inessa followed the Vrenorian man, whose name they learned to be Yaromir. He told the royal duo of all the happenings that had taken place in the village; as each night passed by, one person would disappear without a trace. He and his wife, Karina, thought very little of it, as it had not affected either of them nor anyone they were close with. "That is, until my wife's recent disappearance. It happened just last night; we retired for the night, and she slept at my side, but when I woke, Karina was no longer there. Not a soul in the village knew of her whereabouts, or if she had willingly left the house during the dark hours. In fact, if I am not mistaken, this is how it occurred with all of the victims. I just pray she is unharmed..." Yaromir moaned.

"We shall ensure that we will bring Karina and the other lost villagers back to Vrenor, but I cannot promise that they will be unharmed. Have no fears, however, for Inessa has grown prosperously in magical mending," Maxim declared, gesturing to his sister as they walked along. She nodded bashfully, a soft blush rising in her cheeks. Yaromir gazed at the two, a look of wonder on his face as he beheld the Zamoksvan siblings before him. Soon enough, they found themselves in the village of Vrenor, this time avoiding both confusing mountain passageways and monster attacks. Maxim stood at the entrance of the village with Inessa and Yaromir at his side. "Alright. Inform me of all there is on the situation," he instructed.

"Well," Yaromir started, glancing up to the skies as he thought to himself, "the vanishment of townspeople began but four nights ago. So far, we have lost a kindly old woman, a young boy, our armor merchant, and finally, my wife. All we have are but mere suspicions, but there is indeed a cave lying south of the village. I know very little of it, and few people of Vrenor have traversed through it, but monster activity within is very high. Perhaps there is a beast within that is tied in with disappearances," he paused for a moment, holding his hand to his chin as he pondered. He kept silent, peering at the royal siblings. "If I am not mistaken, your mother and father traveled into the cavern to retrieve the Vrenorian treasure at your age."

"I believe you are correct," Inessa said with a nod, a smile coming to her lips. She found herself grow nostalgic in the moment, memories of her mother flooding her thoughts. The Tsarina would pull both children onto her lap and retell the story of the fantastic adventures she went on in great detail. "Mother tends to retell stories of the adventures they experienced, and the tale of Vrenorian grotto does sound familiar. Perhaps prior knowledge of the area can aid us in our investigation. I think we have decided, then! We shall travel to the cavern and explore for suspicious behaviors tied to villager's disappearances," the Tsarevna paused, reaching out and giving Yaromir's hands a reassuring squeeze. "believe in Maxim and me when we say Karina and the townsfolk will return."

"Bless the pair of you, you truly are blessings from Heaven above. Goddess-speed on your travels," Yaromir bid the duo goodbye as they immediately departed from the village. Using both the directions they had been given and the stories they recalled from their mother, Maxim and Inessa began their march south. Plains were abundant in this portion of the continent, making for easy travel. The duo soon reached a forest that bordered a vast lake and the impenetrable mountains. Fighting their way through the trees, as well as against the pesky yet elementary monsters that crossed their paths, they soon found themselves at the base of the grotto. Giving one another a nod of agreement, they entered through the cave's mouth.

The two wandered about with ease, traversing through the many twists and turns the cavern had in store for them. They walked slowly and quietly, as not to disturb any monster that could perhaps be hiding around the next corner. "This is very thrilling, nyet?" Inessa whispered to her brother, a grin lighting up her face as they pressed on, "To think, we are exploring a cave that mother and father have been through; it's a bit humorous. Perhaps we can tell mother stories of our adventures for a change," she mused as they followed down a set of stairs, "I believe it will be a change in pace that all of us shall appreciate, do you agree?" Inessa asked, only to be shushed by her brother in response. She silenced herself immediately as her brother drew his sword.